FLINT, Mich. — (BUSINESS WIRE) — February 27, 2012 —
Thirty-nine of the state’s best FIRST Robotics high school teams will
compete March 2-3 at the 2012 Kettering University FIRST Robotics
District competition in Flint. All events are free and open to the
public in Kettering’s Recreation Center from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday,
March 2, and 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, March 3.

FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) is a
national youth effort to inspire careers in engineering, science and
technology.

This year’s game is Rebound Rumble, which will be played on a court 27
feet wide by 54 feet long. Four basketball scoring hoops, positioned at
different heights, and three balancing bridges for robots are among the
new game’s challenges. Robots will launch compact basketballs at the
four hoops to achieve points.

Bob Nichols, director of Special Projects, said the district games at
Kettering help teams qualify for further competition at state and
national events. “These are our future engineers and scientists,”
Nichols said. He noted that Kettering will attract up to 2,000 visitors
to campus during the set-up and competition days.

“Gracious Professionalism and having fun are still the centerpieces of
FIRST,” Nichols continued. “This year’s contest, Rebound Rumble,
promises to provide good challenges for the elite teams and be a great
introduction to FIRST Robotics for the rookies. FIRST is the only
varsity sport where every participant goes pro,” he added.

Pat Major of Goodrich again chairs the organizing committee.

Denise Denis, who is coordinating the new car display areas again this
year, said Flint’s Applegate Dealership will show off Chevy products,
including the new Sonic and Malibu. Patsy Lou’s Dealership will also
provide GM products - Buick and GMC. “We'll have the all new Buick
Verano on display,” Denis said. “The public will be able to drive the
GMC and Buick models. Al Serra will be providing all the GM Cadillac
products for our car showcase at FIRST Robotics,” she added.